Federal Lawyers Depart Amid Political Upheaval

Over 10,000 federal lawyers have left government roles since the beginning of 2025. This significant loss stems from President Trump’s changes within the federal landscape. Some agencies now face staffing shortages, prompting urgent searches for attorneys to support Trump’s initiatives.

Data analysis by The New York Times reveals that by March 2026, approximately one in five federal lawyers employed at the end of 2024 had departed. This includes retirements, standard turnover, staffing reductions, and resignations from those opposing Trump’s policies.

The federal government’s reputation as a prime choice for lawyers seeking public service has been compromised. Many are now choosing positions with Democratic state attorney generals and nonprofits opposing administration policies. Phil Weiser, Colorado’s attorney general, stated, “There’s all this awareness that people in the federal government are dissatisfied, are angry, are frustrated, and want no part of it.” He has successfully recruited 22 lawyers from federal ranks in the past year.

Law schools reflect this sentiment, with many aspiring lawyers now seeking careers outside federal opportunities. Faculty and students note a clear shift in career preferences due to apprehension towards government positions.

A sample of federal lawyer reductions:

• Education: 645 to 303 lawyers (-53%)
• Housing: 448 to 271 lawyers (-40%)
• Interior: 542 to 394 lawyers (-27%)
• Labor: 609 to 446 lawyers (-27%)
• Energy: 721 to 530 lawyers (-26%)
• Agriculture: 231 to 170 lawyers (-26%)
• Health: 1,147 to 866 lawyers (-24%)
• Transportation: 622 to 477 lawyers (-23%)
• Justice: 12,975 to 10,310 lawyers (-21%)
• Veterans Affairs: 1,935 to 1,640 lawyers (-15%)
• Defense: 4,576 to 3,880 lawyers (-15%)